“We were just doing a bit of a tackling drill, just a stock standard one and I just went to tackle and someone’s elbow just clipped the top of the hand and busted him up a bit,’’ he said.

“It is obviously disappointing, you never want to miss a game of footy, but these things happen and it’s going to give someone else a chance to step up this weekend and (I’m) looking forward to see how the boys go.’’

The star midfielder’s medal odds with TAB were cut from $17 to $8 after a best-afield performance against West Coast last week, but his price eased to $11 last night and could drift further if he misses more than one week.

Essendon doctor Bruce Reid said Heppell’s recovery would be swift.

“We were extremely fortunate (surgeon) Greg Hoy was available to operate on his hand within the hour,” Reid said.

“The surgery was a success, Dyson had a plate and screws inserted into his hand and we’re confident his recovery time will be minimal.”

It is the latest incident in a tumultuous season for Brownlow Medal hopefuls.

Gary Ablett was ruled out for the rest of the season after injuring his shoulder in July, Sydney’s Josh Kennedy is set to miss this week after a hamstring issue on Saturday, and Scott Pendlebury was a late withdrawal at the weekend because of a quad injury and is in doubt this week.

The medal picture has also been clouded by suspensions to Nat Fyfe and Steve Johnson.

Heppell has played every game for the Bombers this season.Source:Getty Images

Geelong’s Joel Selwood remains the $2.75 favourite, but Ablett, who has not played since Round 16, firmed to $3.25 after the Heppell news.

Heppell, 22, has played every game for the Bombers this year, with coach Mark Thompson singing his ­praises after the win against the Eagles.

“Even in the most severe pressure he came out and took the team with him,” Thompson said.

Teammate Brendon Goddard said last night the players expected a quick return.

“ ‘Hep’ unfortunately had a bit of an incident at training ... he got surgery quick and it should be fine,” Goddard told 3AW.

“I think it was a relatively simple break and he will be right for next week.”